Dear food service operators,

The Snohomish Health District recognizes that these are very difficult times for the food service industry. Our agency is working hard to do as much as we can to support you and your businesses during this time. As such, we would like to share with you a recent decision made by our Board of Health regarding your annual operating permit invoice and the permit late fee.

Many of you have already received your annual invoice for your 2021 food service operating permit which states that your invoice will need to be paid in full prior to December 31 to avoid a late fee. On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, our Board of Health passed Resolution 20-28 which allows the Health District to defer permit payment for three months.

Invoices originally due on December 31, 2020, are now due March 31, 2021. For the establishments that have chosen to temporarily close due to COVID operating restrictions, the $300 late fee has been waived so long as the permit renewal occurs before the facility reopens to the public. Facilities that have chosen to temporarily or permanently close must notify the Health District.

We hope this extra time will provide some relief for you during these next few months. 

If you have already paid for your annual operating permit, we appreciate your prompt response. Please contact our Environmental Health Office at 425.339.5250 or ehquestions@shd.org with questions or if additional information is needed.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep Snohomish County healthy. 

 - Snohomish Health District Food Program

Resources

• Governor's Proclamation and Guidance, November 15, 2020 
• Phase 2 and Phase 3 Restaurant, Tavern, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries COVID-19 Requirements 
• Secretary of Health's Face Covering Order (Amended July 24)
• Safe Start: Business Guidance, County Status, and What's Open
• Snohomish Health District Food Permits page